The Washington critic., 1887-12-09
A HOLIDAY PASTIME.

anu nullus anu lctI VI uiiiliic uiiiitioiohc,
Phil. Dodd did not very closely re-
semble Apollo or any other of those
ancient models of manly beauty. But
his homely face beamed with perpetual
good humor, and his big hands were
brown with honest toll.
On this particular afternoon he was
wedding in the front garden, with occa-
sionally an expcctant glance down the
country for the stage coach. For the
Dodds had been making preparations,
for week past, for the reception of
summer boarders, who were to arrive
that afternoon in the shape of two young
ladies.
Phil, the only son and heir of the
Dodds, had at first decidedly objected TO
"havin' girls pesterin' round the place"
But he had been so far won over by his
sagacious mothers representation of the
profits to be reaped therefrom as to help
forwarding the preparations, even going
TO the extravaganza of painting the
buggy and whitowashing the front fence.
Now, rs he stood awaiting their arrival,
with an eagerness which he would not
have betrayed for worlds, he was pictur-
ing to himself how he would receive
them. He meant to advance gracefully
TO the stage and assist them to alight,
with bow and few polite words OF
welcome, just as he had seen the city
chaps do at the new hotel.
But, alas! for human resolves! No
sooner did the numbering old stage APP
pear on top of the hill than his courage
completely forsook him, and he igno-
miniously retrcated to the rear of the
house. Thence, from n screened re-
treat, he watched rough, honest old
Ephraim Dodd assist two visions in
bright summer costumes and lace para
soils to alight, while Ma Dodd, fresh
from the kitchen, stood in the doorway,
arms akimbo, to receive her guests.
"What derned fool am" was Phil's
mental comment; thinking consolingly,
however, that no one but himself knew
of his defeat.
But his next thought was, how was he
ever to face them at tea? He would
have kept fast that night, rather than
go through that ordeal. but he knew he
could not escape his anxious mothers
inquiries as to his non-appearance.
But there was some latent heroism in
Phil, and knowing that the worst must
come, he summoned all his courage and
marched boldly into the dining-room at
his mothers summons.
''This is my son, Phil" announced
the proud mother, with an air which
plainly said, "and reckon you aint
seen many like him" "And Phil, this
is Miss lorraine" indicating q Quiot,
laly-ooking girl, who merely bowed
an murmurcd some words of greeting.
"And this is Miss Vernon" continued
the worthy woman.
4 white hand was extended, which he
grlsped almost mechanically in his big,
bi wn paw, and pair Of blue eyes
glanced coquetishly at him, US Miss
Y rnor said, sweetly:
GLOW do you do, Mr.. Dodd?"
Mr.. Dodd! 1t fairly took his breath
away. Sure she must have meant 'dad;"
but the young lady evidently knew what
she was saying as she also addressed
dad" as Mr.. Dodd.
That meal which Phil had so dreaded
passed off in an extremely satisfactory
manner. Miss Vernon completely won
"NIarm" Dodd's heart by the praises
she bestowed ON her biscuit and but
ter and strawberries; and she so com.
pletely bewildered poor Phil by the
bewitching glances she bestowed on him
that he lost his appetite entirely.
In the long summer days that fol
lowed, the city girls explored the farm
skctched in the woods and expressed
unbounded delight and astonishmeni
at everything they saw.
And Miss Vernon insisted on pressing
Phil. into her service. He must go with
them to show them where the nicest
ferns grew. and the best streams fol
trouting, and thousand and one othei
things. 1t mattered not to the despotit
little lady that it was the busiest part o.
the haying season, and Farmer Dodd',
disgust and chagrin at his sons shirkin,
clear of the work ''to dance round afte
Il couple of gals" were alike unheedeC
by her. As for Phil.-would he not hav,
gone to the north pole at the Bidding o
these ripe lips, or at glance from thos,
wondrous, violet eyes?
His life was feverish dream of blis
and fortune. lie thought how tame ex
istence had been before her coming, bu
he dared not think what it would b.
like after her departure. The none,
he expended in hail-oil and perfumer,
almost rendered him bankrupt.
The two girls were seated in the "bes
room" at the close of a sultry August af
tcrnoon, Miss Vernon vigorously usin
her fan.
80 this is our last day here" she re
marked, languidly. "Well, ! hav
rather enjoyed rusticating, and shall G
back to the city fortified for any amour
of dissipation"
Eyes, l do think the worthy peopl
have done their best to entertain us,
said her friend, absently.
Especially Phil" said Miss Vernol
with soft little laugh she has reall
proved invaluable. Do you know, h
has asked me to go for drive with hiI
tonight"
"Well, do you think it is quite rigf
TO lead him on as you are doing" sal
her friend, soberly. "He is so innocer
or perhaps you would term it we
dant-that l believe he thinks you al
in earnest"
81 lead him on! Why, May, whi
are you thinking off" said Miss Verno
with pretty assumption Of surprise.
Yes, any one can see that he is hea
over ears in love with you. But then
believe you would tlirt with a gorilla
nothing more available came in yol
way"
You astonish me, May, by your pr
found insight into human character,
said her friend with languid smil
but there is the buggy at the door, so
suppose must make haste and not ket
my cavalier waiting" and gay, hoartle
Nell donned her most coquettish hi
and trippcd down stairs.
How peaceful everything seemed,
with distant echo from the fold and lea"
rs they bowled along the smooth coui
try road. There was nothing very poe
ical in Phil. composition--he was muc
better versed in horse-lore than in an